Construction at the Pacifica, Calif., golf course will move forward despite arguments by environmentalists that it will threaten the habitats of the California red-legged frog and the San Francisco garter snake. Opponents plan to file a lawsuit against the city for its approval of the project, which involves clearing reeds and sediment, construction around a pumping station, and building a small pond.

Construction at Sharp Park Golf Course in Pacifica, Calif., will move forward after the San Francisco Board of Supervisors rejected environmentalists’ concerns that the project will threaten the frogs and snakes that call the course home, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

Managed by the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, the golf course is home to the threatened California red-legged frog and San Francisco garter snake. Built in 1932 by Alister MacKenzie, Sharp Park for years has been a point of contention between golfers and conservationists, who want to see it shut down so the land can be used as a sanctuary for animals, the Chronicle reported.

On March 25, environmentalists—led by the Wild Equity Institute—made another effort to force the parks department to conduct a full environmental impact report of the project. They contend the work will hurt the animals’ environment, while the city says it will improve habitat for the frogs and snakes, the Chronicle reported.

The proposed project involves clearing reeds and sediment from a pond and waterway, doing construction around a pumping station, and digging a new, small pond on the site, the Chronicle reported.

The work has been approved by the Recreation and Park Commission and the Planning Commission. The board voted 7-4 to allow it to move forward without an environmental study, the Chronicle reported.

Opponents of the course will file a lawsuit objecting to the city’s decision, said Wild Equity Institute Executive Director Brent Plater.